Current Research Trends in Biological Science Vol. 1

Plant Passive Immunity: Micromorphological and Biochemical Features of the Maloideae (Rosaceae) External Tissues

2021-08-17T05:35:14+00:00

The defeat of the fruits of fungal diseases is currently an important issue of plant science and is also of great economic importance. With the help of microscopic methods the leaves and fruits surface tissues of plants of four genera of the Maloideae subfamily were screened: Malus Mill., Pyrus L., Cydonia Mill., Mespilus L. and attempts were made to explain the dependence of mycosis damage on micro structural features. The species composition of fungi that cause damage to the Maloideae leaves and fruits in the Russia southern regions is analyzed. It is established that among pathogens with different types of parasitism there are common excitants, as well as highly specialized responses as on Mespilus germanica L. Higher resistance to the complex of fungal diseases, in comparison with apple and pear, was found in quince and medlar. This stability at the initial stage of the pathological process is associated with structural features such as micro morphology of the fruits and stomata cuticle in the abaxial epidermis of leaves. The leaves stomatal openings of medlar are narrow with raised outgrowths, on the surface of the fruits – the layered structure of the cuticular layer. Quince has a continuous cuticular cover. In the species least affected by mycoses, a high content of very-long-chain fatty acids in the external tissues was revealed, which may be one of the factors of resistance to pathogens. In addition, the studied species revealed differences in the content of polyphenols, which can inhibit the development of pathogens at the stage of their penetration. Thus, during the study, using the example of the Maloideae subfamily, we identified several factors of passive immunity of plants. Conventionally, they can be divided into two groups: mechanical and chemical, working at various stages of pathogen penetration into plant organism.

Unraveling Siderophore Producing Bacteria from Plant Rhizosphere

2021-08-17T05:39:00+00:00

Siderophores are those low molecular weight iron chelating components that are found to be secreted by a few bacteria located predominantly in the rhizosphere of leguminous plants. Their mechanism of action depends on the structure in which the siderophore is available. In the current study, an isolate SA6 was studied for its siderophore production which was found to be of carboxylate type. The optimal growth conditions for elevated siderophore production by SA6 were deliberated. The isolate was found to be enriched with plant growth promoting activities indicating its possible application in agriculture. Sequencing of the isolate has a 97% similarity index with Escherichia fergusonii.

Population Dynamics of Five Important Commercial Fish Species in the Sundarbans Ecosystem of Bangladesh: Recent Advancement

2021-08-17T05:54:00+00:00

Aims: To determine the population dynamics and assess the exploitation level of Mystus gulio, Acanthopagrus latus, Chelon parsia, Otolithoides pama and Lates calcarifer in the Sundarbans ecosystem of Bangladesh.

Study Design: Monthly length-frequency data of five fish species were collected from the Sundarbans ecosystem. The lengths of five fish species were recorded to the nearest one cm intervals in each month.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from January to December 2011 in the Sundarbans ecosystem in Bangladesh.

Methodology: The FAO-ICLARM Fish Stock Assessment Tools (FiSAT II) software was used to estimate the von Bertalanffy growth parameters (Lµ and K), mortality coefficients (Z, M and F), probability of capture, recruitment pattern and Yield/Biomass-per-recruit for five commercially important fish species caught by fishers in the Sundarbans ecosystem of Bangladesh.

Results: In the Sundarbans ecosystem of Bangladesh area the values of asymptotic length (Lµ) for Mystus gulio, Acanthopagrus latus, Chelon parsia, Otolithoides pama and Lates calcarifer were found to be 23.0 cm, 33.6 cm, 30.0 cm, 32.5 cm and 55.0 cm respectively while the growth co-efficient (K) were 0.75, 0.85, 1.1, 0.8 and 0.5 respectively. The estimates for Lµ (23.00 – 55.0 cm) and K (0.5-1.1 year^-1) obtained were consistent with those available in the literature. Relatively high K and low Lµ values, typical of short-lived tropical fishes, were obtained for Mystus gulio, Acanthopagrus latus, Chelon parsia and Otolithoides pama. The length growth performance index (f’) of the Pauly and Munro’s function was in the range of 2.599 – 3.180. Natural mortality, fishing mortality and total mortality were in the range of 0.956-1.89, 0.55-1.58 and 1.52-3.3 respectively. Estimates for total mortality (Z) and natural mortality (M) imply low annual rates of survival and high turnover rates. The recruitment pattern suggested one main pulse of annual recruitment. The exploitation rate was estimated to be between 27% and 47% and the length at first capture was estimated to be approximately 19-54% of Lµ. The exploitation rate obtained for five fish species are relatively lower compared to other available studies in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. The growth and exploitation rates obtained were compared with available estimates to evaluate the consistency of the results with current knowledge about the species in the region.

Conclusion: The study indicated that the length-at-first-capture/Lµ seem to be a simple parameter, which could be used to make a rapid assessment of the status of the stocks. All together, the present study reveals that the population of these five studied species attains acceptable sustainability levels in the Sundarbans ecosystem and scope for a slight increase in catch efforts.

Insect Vectors Associated to Dumpsites in Gombe Metropolis, Nigeria, Western Africa

2021-08-17T05:58:34+00:00

Insects are a very diverse group of organisms that play a very great and crucial role in the survival and wellbeing of humans and other organisms. Several insect groups are vectors of diseases, transmitting pathogens among humans and other animals. Insects are found in diverse environment including dumpsites. This study was conducted to determine the insect vectors living in refuse dumps at Gombe Metropolis in Gombe State, Nigeria. The metropolis were divided into four longitudinal zones, and in each zone three dumpsites were randomly selected. Visual observations were used to estimate the composition of the refuse dumps. The study was conducted in Gombe metropolis of Gombe state between the months of May and August, 2018. Sweep nets, sticky traps, water traps and handpicking were used to collect the different vector species. Specimen collected were preserved and transported to the laboratory for identification. Standard Identification keys were used for the identification of the vectors. The compositions of the refuse dumps varied from vegetable matter and animal remains to assorted materials including used tyres, electronic parts, cartons, faecal matter, broken bottles, polythene bags. A total of 464 insect vectors belonging to 9 species were collected. Musca domestica 282(60.8%) was the dominant species, followed by Anopheles spp 55(11.9%) and Aedes species 44(9.4%). Periplaneta americana accounts 37(8.0%) of the collections. The thriving population of these vector species and the abundance of putrefying refuse dumps are risk factors of the endemic diseases transmitted by such vectors in the city. In view of these findings, it is expedient to properly dispose refuse to curtail the possibility of outbreak of vector-borne diseases.

Micropropagation of Narcissus tazetta ‘Chinensis’ and Its Relation to Secondary Metabolites Content: Brief Overview

2021-08-17T06:03:27+00:00

In this study, bulbs of Narcissus tazetta ‘Chinensis’ were used as explants for micropropagation. Several disinfection protocols, callus medium and regeneration medium were tested in addition to the secondary metabolites content analysis. Four disinfection protocols were used. The most successful was: 1) disinfection of bulbs in 70% ethanol and 2% HgCl₂, 10 minutes for each, outside cabinet, or 2) 70% ethyl alcohol (4 min), 20% clorox (5 min), 0.1% mercuric chloride (1 min) and 9% hydrogen peroxide (1 min) inside cabinet, washing with sterilized distilled water after every previous step. This technique is considered as a novel effective procedure. Indirect micropropagation on MS medium supplemented with 2 mg·L^-1 2,4-D succeeded in narcissus callus induction which regenerated into shoots on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg.L^-1IBA + 1mg.L^-1 TIBA + 1 gm.L^-1 of activated charcoal. The same medium with activated charcoal sowed high yield in a direct micropropagation protocol. Average shoot and root per explant showed significant increase when using indirect micropropagation. Secondary metabolites from direct and indirect regeneration, using phytochemical screening detected increasing alkaloids content in callus only, while regenerated plantlets were the same as mother plants, as well as there were no significant changes in mother and regenerated plants in terms of total phenol and flavonoids content.

The Role of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) in Recognition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Lung Epithelial Cells: Detailed Study

2021-08-17T06:08:44+00:00

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) plays an important role in chloride and thiocyanate ion homeostasis in human epithelial surfaces. Deletion of phenylalanine at position 508 (Δ508) leads to cystic fibrosis and dysregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pseudomonas aeruginosa gains predominance, contributing over 80% of the lung bacteria in adults with CF and this strongly correlates with the decline of pulmonary function and mortality. The research aimed at understanding the role of CFTR in response to P. aeruginosa, (the most common pathogen that colonises the airways of Cystic Fibrosis patients), with the objectives of evaluating the relative expression of epithelial and inflammatory cytokines (IL-17C and IL-6) in five (Calu3, CFBE41o, CFBE41o wt, Calu3 altered and Calu3 knockout) human bronchial epithelial cell lines after two hours of infection with P. aeruginosa using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). It was found that Calu3 and Calu3 altered, treated cell lines significantly (p=0.05) increased in the level of IL-17C and IL-6 mRNA in all the experimental repeats compare to untreated.

The other three (CFBE 41o, CFBE41o wt, and Calu3 knockout) cell lines deficient of CFTR expressed low levels of these cytokines, but the level varied among the experiment in both treated and untreated cells suggesting that CFTR may modulate the level of cytokine production in bronchial epithelial cell lines. CFTR mutations have a direct effect on T cell function; enhance Th17 response which is one of the sources of IL-17. The IL-17C plays a central role in pulmonary host defence by orchestrating the accumulation and associated activity of neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar space. However, the massive neutrophils accumulation in the CF lung does not correlate with bacterial eradication but rather causes extensive tissue damage and inflammation disproportion to infection indicating that the function of neutrophils is dysregulated in CF. Therefore, knocking down IL-17C may minimise inflammation in CF patients.

Effect of Potash Alum on the Mycoflora of Postharvest Spoilage of Solanum lycopersicum L (Tomato)

2021-08-17T06:13:29+00:00

Solanum lycopersicum L (Tomato) is one of the most economically attractive and widely consumed vegetables globally. Their high water content, perishability, transport and poor storage system predisposes them to spoilage by a broad spectrum of mycoflora resulting in huge postharvest losses. This study investigates the effect of Potash Alum (PA) on postharvest spoilage of S. lycopersicum L (Tomato). Composite samples of deteriorating tomatoes were subjected to standard mycological analysis from which total fungal colony counts obtained ranged from 1.64x10⁶-5.70x10⁹ CFU/g, and the following species were identified; Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp, Rhizopus stolonifer, Geotrichum candidium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In vitro antifungal activity of potash alum (1% (w/v) concentration) was determined on some of the isolates by agar well method (AWM) and diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) measured using a metre rule. G. candidum had the highest DIZ (9.0mm (29.0%) followed by A. niger (8.0 mm (25.8%) and 7.0mm (= 22.6%) for Fusarium and Penicillium species respectively. R. stolonifer showed no inhibition or zero. pH values increased from 4.35-4.52 whereas TTA values decreased from 0.13-0.07 within 2days of analysis. However, these results indicate that treatment of postharvest deteriorating tomatoes with potash alum prior to consumption would enhance food safety as some of these fungi are known to be spoilage, toxigenic or opportunistic pathogens. So, their presence raises concern on storability as well as public health risks associated with consumption of these fruits. Therefore, production of tomato requires an integrated and multidisciplinary research approach not only to reduce economic loss but also create consumers’ awareness on potential public health hazards of consuming relatively cheaper and pathogen contaminated deteriorating tomatoes.

Morphological Character Variations in Lasiodiplodia Species: Pathogen of Inflorescence Dieback in Cashew Growing Ecologies of Nigeria

2021-08-17T06:18:28+00:00

Nine isolates of Lasiodiplodia theobromae were collected from cashew inflorescences showing typical symptoms of dieback disease in nine different farms belonging to various cashew growing ecologies of Nigeria. The result revealed that most of the Lasiodiplodia species isolates exhibited significant differences in morphology, colour and spore dimensions. The colony growth rate of Lasiodiplodia species range from 11.95 mm to 14.17 mm, colony texture and colour of the isolates in the obverse were fluffy dark mouse grey, fluffy mouse grey, fluffy olivaceous grey or fluffy groh grey while the reverse colour of the isolates was either greyish blue or sky grey. Sporulation was observed at varied degrees in all the Lasiodiplodia species isolates except in isolates from Oro and Ejule and likewise is the numbers of pycnidia produced varied in all the isolates across growing ecologies. Significant variations were observed in the characters and morphology of the Lasiodiplodia species isolates causing inflorescence dieback of cashew in Nigeria. Conidia of all isolates are septated with single septa but the septa sizes varies and conidia sizes also differ. Eigenvalues and variance proportion consistently decreased among selected characters and the proportional contribution of each character to the total variance also varied in dimension and quantity. Four clusters significantly evolved in the dendogram with 2, 2, 4 and 1 isolates within each cluster.

Ameliorating Effect of Moringa against Liver and Kidney Injury Induced by Monosodium Glutamate: Brief Overview

2021-08-17T06:23:27+00:00

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) produces adverse and damaging effects in different organs like liver and kidneys. Moringa has ameliorating effect on kidney and liver injury induced by monosodium glutamate.

Objective: To study the ameliorating effect of moringa against rats liver and kidney injury induced by monosodium glutamate.

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: College of Pharmacy, Qassim University.

Materials and Methods: This study was performed on 20 male rats and equally divided into 4 groups. The first group was control group, second group was moringa group, third group was MSG group and forth group was MSG plus moringa group. We determined liver function, albumin, total protein, kidney function, electrolytes and histopathological examination of tissue.

Main Outcome Results: Moringa has ameliorating effect on kidney and liver injury induced by monosodium glutamate.

Sample Size: A total of 20 malerats.

Results: There was a significant increase in the levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine. Significant decrease in the levels of albumin, total proteins and sodium levels in rats treated with monosodium glutamate. Kidney sections revealed normal structure of glomeruli and renal tubules as control group, liver revealed good improvements and mild cellular infiltrations were observed in rats treated with MSG and moringa group.

Conclusion: Moringa causes ameliorating effect on kidney and liver injury induced by monosodium glutamate in rats.

Limitation of the Study: Few studies about the protective effect of Moringa against toxic effect of MSG. So we need to focus on its beneficial effect against toxicity induced by MSG.

A Formula of Bacterial Pathogenicity (Theoretical Review): Recent Development

2021-08-17T06:26:50+00:00

Four fundamental biological functions are responsible for bacterial pathogenicity in a multi-cellular host organism: The adhesive function, the function of invasion and penetration into the cell, the function of evasion of host defense and the damage function. The action of the first three of them (adhesion, invasion and evasion) is directed to towards establishing an ecological niche in Multi-cellular host, while the aim of the damaging function is destruction of this environment.

Cultivation of Mint (Mentha x gracilis) in Agroforestry System

2021-08-17T06:29:25+00:00

Aims: The cultivation of medicinal plants in intercropping with other species of agricultural use has been an alternative to make production sustainable in family farming. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth, biomass production, and chemical composition of the essential oil of mint (Mentha x gracilis Sole) in intercropping with fruit species in an agroforestry system. This study was conducted as an important contribution to agroforestry management practices and to assist in deciding which intercropping option to use in this cultivation system. In particular, this information should facilitate the establishment of scientific intercropping systems, help maintain the sustainable use of agroforestry and provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of agriculture.

Study Design: The experimental design was randomized blocks with four treatments, mint inter planted with citrus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), bananas (Musa spp.), blackberries (Morus nigra), or Barbados cherries (Malpighia glabra).

Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted in the agroforestry located in the sector of Olericultura of the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Brazil, in the period between November 2015 to February 2017.

Methodology: We analyzed physiological and growth variables as light intensity, relative chlorophyll index, height, leaf area, biomass accumulation, essential oil content, oil production and chemical composition of mint in agroforestry.

Results: The highest production of biomass (252.50; 249.31 g planta^-1) and essential oil (135.42; 141.63 L ha^-1) were obtained in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries, respectively, possibly due to the edaphic climatic conditions, such as greater light intensity, that favored the growth, production and chemical composition of the mint essential oil. Bananas and blackberries intercropped with mint were not beneficial for the growth and production of essential oils.

Conclusion: The intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries resulted in higher growth, biomass accumulation and essential oil content and production. The major components of the essential oils were linalool (48.66; 49.87%) and carvone (18.30; 17.86%) with higher percentages in the intercropping of mint with citrus and Barbados cherries, respectively. The cultivation of mint by intercropping with fruit species such as citrus and Barbados cherries is an option to diversify the production of medicinal plants, making it sustainable.

The Details of Revamp Studies on Morpho-Histology of the Male Reproductive System of Halys dentatus Fabricious (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

2021-08-17T06:31:54+00:00

Aim: Revamp studies on the morphology and histology of plant bug Halys dentatus F. (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

Study Design: Halys dentatus Fab. is acting as pest of many plants, multivoltine in nature, therefore their reproductive cycle observed throughout the year. Hence, the number of reproductive cycles increased the population of H. dentatus to cause harm to plants, therefore there is need to study the male reproductive system of H. dentatus as a part of fundamental studies.

Place and Duration of Study: Entomology Research Laboratory; P.G. Department of Zoology, K.T.H.M. College, Nashik. (MS, India).

Methodology: Adults of H. dentatus (Fab.) were collected, anesthetized with anesthetic ether & embedded in dissecting paraffin wax plate, dissected in insect saline solution (Lum, [1]) using stereoscopic research binocular microscope. The male reproductive system exposed and isolated, fixed in Debocqui’s Bouin’s fixative for 18 hrs., dehydrated (acetone grades), Cleared (xylene; acetone), blocks were prepared, sections were cut on Leica microtome, stained & micro photographed.

Results and Observation:

Morphology: The male reproductive system of H. dentatus (Fab.) constitute a pair of testis, pair of vas deferens, seminal vesicles, accessory glands (ectodermal & endodermal) & ejaculatory duct (Bulbus & Ductus).
Histology: Histology of testis of H. dentatus showed the six numbers of testicular follicles with different development zones; the growth zone, the maturation zone and the zone of differentiation. The inner layer of vas deferens and seminal vesicle was composed of cuboidal epithelial cells. The accessory glands are both ectodermal and endodermal in origin. The ectodermal accessory glands are triplate, milky white in colour while mesodermal accessory glands are convoluted bunch of fine tubular structure.

Conclusion: The male reproductive system was studied with reference to revamp morpho-histology; during the year 2009-2011. The anatomy resemble with other pentatomid bug with little difference in vas deference, investing sac and in the number of testicular follicles.

Protease Composition in Tissue Extracts of Hydrobionts from Antarctic Region: Recent Study

2021-08-17T06:42:15+00:00

Aims: Marine hydrobionts, which grow in extreme conditions, e.g. low temperatures, are an important source of enzymes with unique properties. By this reason the proteases from cold-water organisms could have a considerable biotechnological and therefore, commercial significance. The objective of the current study was to investigate the proteolytic potential of marine hydrobionts from Antarctic region (an example of Odontaster validus and Glyptonotus antarcticus).

Methodology: SDS-PAGE was carried out for the determination of protein composition in extracts. The proteolytic activity was monitored by zymographic technique. Further, the samples were preincubated with protease inhibitors EDTA, PMSF and SBTI and then total proteolytic (with casein as substrate) activity was measured. Gel filtration chromatography was applied for the fractionation of tested extracts. Collagenolytic and trypsin-like (amidase activity) activities were assessed with help of native collagen type I and L-BApNA respectively.

Results: The results of gelatin zymography provided evidence for the presence of active enzymes in extracts of both hydrobionts whereas fibrinogen zymography revealed the presence only one clear area in extract of O. validus. Specific protease inhibitors were used to identify the nature of proteases present in tissue of investigated hydrobionts. Based on this analysis, the proteolytic enzymes in extract of O. validus might be classified as metal-dependent proteases, whereas the enzymes in extract of G. antarcticus were most likely trypsin-like proteases. Tissue extracts were separated by gel filtration chromatography on seven fractions for O. validus and six fractions for G. antarcticus. Further enzymatic activity assay in obtained fractions revealed that both hydrobionts possessed significant collagenolytic activity, which was detected in the first four fractions.

Conclusion: The current study gives some information about protease composition in tissue extracts of hydrobionts of Antarctic region. It could be useful for better understanding of functional and catalytic characteristics of proteases from cold-water organisms.

Effectiveness Test of Orchid Mycorrhizal Isolate (Ceratorhiza and Trichoderma) Indonesia

2021-08-17T06:45:49+00:00

Aim: The existence of Orchid Mycorrhizal Fungi (OMF) has a role to stimulate growth and support the supply of orchid nutrition as a biofertilizer agent. This study aimed to determine the association of mycorrhizal with Phalaenopsis amabilis (L.) Blume which was carried out through the effectiveness test of two Indonesian orchid mycorrhizal isolates i.e. Ceratorhiza and Trichoderma.

Study Design: This study consisted of 4 treatments. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, each repetition of 5 plantlets, so that the total plantlet used was 60.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia, between June 2017 and April 2018.

Methodology: The method of inoculating orchid mycorrhizal by placing a plantlet in a petri dish containing orchid mycorrhizal for 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. Then plantlets are grown on sterile moss growing media and acclimatized in a greenhouse. Observation of each treatment is carried out every day for the next month. Observation variables include the number of initial and final roots, the number of live and dead roots, and the number of living and dead plants.

Results: The results of the orchid mycorrhizal induction test showed that the Ceratorhiza inoculation treatment showed a fluctuation in the mean increase in the number of final roots live roots, dead roots, and dead plantlets that were higher than the Trichoderma inoculation treatment. The results also showed that the best inoculation time on Ceratorhiza and Trichoderma was day 3 and 4. The adaptation process had the effect of increasing the number of dead roots in weeks 1 and 2. The adaptation process stopped at the beginning of week 4 with the number of new roots appearing a lot.

Conclusion: Orchid mycorrhizal Ceratorhiza shows the value of effectiveness test compared with Trichoderma. The results of this study are expected to be basic information in efforts to cultivate natural orchids in Indonesia.